Film Producer Challenges Renbrook Students To "Ignite Change"

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"What can you do to ignite change?" Executive Producer Holly Gordon posed the question to Renbrook Upper School students on Wednesday, Oct. 16, after a private screening of her poignant documentary "Girl Rising." The film documents the stories of nine girls around the world, their struggle to live and to learn, and the power of education.

Ms. Gordon tasked students with selecting a memorable quote from the film to open the discussion following the viewing. "It was an incredibly moving experience, and an incredibly difficult task," an eighth grade student reflected. "There is so much that needs to be done."

More than 69 million adolescent girls are out of school around the world, according to Education First, an initiative of the United Nations Secretary General. "Girl Rising" focuses on three main barriers to school enrollment and completion: gender discrimination, poverty, and child labor.

Directed by Academy Award nominee Richard Robbins, each story in the film was written by a renowned author from the subject's native country and narrated by a celebrated cast of actresses, including Cate Blanchett, Kerry Washington, Anne Hathaway, and Meryl Streep.

"The screening of "Girl Rising" and the skillful, inspiring discussion led by Holly Gordon will have a lasting impact on our entire community," Upper School Division Head, Nancy Rethmeier states. "The film resonated with our students on such a personal level because of the similarities in the ages of the girls. The prevailing mood in the room was, "How can we help? How can we become involved?"

Forbes Magazine named the "Girl Rising" movement the #1 Most Dynamic Social Initiative of 2012. Renbrook students took action almost immediately. The following day, students raised more than $500 in six hours for the Girl Raising Fund with a Donation Dress Down Day.

Urged on by Ms. Gordon's directive to "Start small, and in your area," Renbrook students plan to answer the call to action throughout the year. "This shared moment is just the beginning of a series of activities," Nancy says. "From conversations to projects to actions - this work will help our students further develop empathy for others and facilitate change in our global community."